Free children's lunches available this summer throughout southwest Alabama

View full size(Press-Register file/Catherine Cotton)Free children's lunches will be offered throughout the summertime thanks to the Bay Area Food Bank and other community organizations working in the Summer Food Service Program.Children can get free lunches this summer at numerous southwest Alabama locations, thanks to the Bay Area Food Bank and other community organizations working in the Summer Food Service Program.

The Department of Agriculture summer program has 41 summer lunch locations that include churches and recreational centers. Its aim is to eliminate malnutrition in youngsters while they're not in school, where free or reduced-price lunches are available.

Bay Area Food Bank will offer kids a "rotating menu, which will feature freshly made items such as turkey and cheese sandwiches, grilled chicken salads and grilled chicken wraps served with fresh fruit, vegetables and milk," according to the food bank's news release.

"The program is a successful way to provide healthy food and recreational activities in a safe environment for children when school is out for the summer," said David Reaney, the food bank's executive director.